To The Editor:
It's clear from recent comments made in <MI>The Valley
Reporter<D> and expressed here at the town office (most of them
humorous, which we do appreciate) that Waitsfield's regulations
regarding signboards, often called sandwich boards, are somewhat
misunderstood. As the town's Planning and Zoning Administrator, I want
to take this opportunity to clear up one or two misconceptions. I also
want to invite those who are interested in this topic to attend the
Planning Commission's public hearing on December 2 on proposed
revisions to the town's bylaws. They include a section on temporary
signs that would reduce the limitations on this type of signage.
So, what are the facts about signboards? Under the current regulations,
they are permitted for very specific uses, with restrictions as to
location, size, and duration of display. For example, lawn sales may be
advertised with signboards that do not exceed four square feet in area
for a maximum of 10 days per year. However, off-premises signs of any
kind are prohibited, as are signs within the public right-of-way. Some
of the restrictions derive from state and federal statutes. For the
full picture on sign regulations, see Section 3.11 of the Town of
Waitsfield bylaws, which can be found at the town office and on the
town web site (www.waitsfield.us). I'll be happy to answer any
questions you may have.
Crafting regulations, particularly on this subject, poses quite a
challenge, as it means balancing the needs of various segments of the
community and also complying with state and federal law. So once again,
I encourage interested citizens to come to the public hearing on
December 2 to learn more about the proposed changes and participate in
the discussion.
Vickie Trihy
Waitsfield Planning and Zoning Administrator
{loadnavigation}
